As discussed in part 1, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — and even milder forms of TBI – is considered to be a leading cause of concussion and a fast growing concern among amateur and professional athletes where an increasing number of cases are being reported. If left untreated, TBI can result in cognitive impairment, hearing loss, as well as permanent injury and even death.1 Most recently, it was reported that an inmate at Bronx Central Booking was “punched, smacked and/or otherwise struck in the head and back”. The suit contends that Mr. Aquino felt a sharp pain in or near his ear and a change in his hearing. “Over the next few days, he developed a discharge from his left ear”. Subsequently he was found by an audiologist to have suffered a hearing loss and was prescribed hearing aids for both ears.

While some symptoms may not seem alarming or a cause of concern and could be viewed as signs of other maladies, singularly or in combination they can cause serious brain damage. Knowing how TBI manifests itself can help you, and those you know, cope with the after effects of a suspected concussion and prevent further debilitating or life-threatening complications.2

A list of warning signs that can help medical professionals identify TBI, or mild TBI, often includes: headache, dizziness, nausea or loss of consciousness, issues with memory, concentration and inability to recall information. Other cognitive deficits associated with TBI include impaired attention, disrupted judgment and thought, reduced processing speed, distractibility, and executive functioning deficits, such as issues with abstract reasoning, planning, problem solving, and multitasking.3

Memory loss and metabolic dysfunction are the most common cognitive impairments and may be associated with deficits in understanding spoken or written language (auditory dysfunction).4

In the cases of mild TBI, these deficits may be subtle and difficult to detect with standard neuropsychological testing, but can be sufficient to interfere with activities of daily living, driving, work or school performance.

In my practice, I have seen patients report ringing in the ears, sensitivity to loud sounds, a sense of hearing loss, along with ears that felt full or plugged. Others report that sounds seem muffled, or that they are intolerant of loud noises (Hyperacusis5), or only have selective hearing within specific sound ranges (Misaphonia6), while still others report ringing in the ears (Tinnitus7).

In addition, some of my patients said that they “felt funny” for as long as a day or more after sustaining even a mild concussion. The first 24 to 48 hours after a mild TBI are particularly important because subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, or excessive brain swelling (edema) are possible and can cause further damage. For this reason, doctors suggest watching a person for potential changes during the first two days following a concussion. Parents should observe children and coaches should watch players in the days after a suspected TBI. 8,9

Hearing problems can occur for a number of reasons, both mechanical and neurologic, particularly when the inner ear and or temporal lobes have been damaged. For example, external bleeding in the ear canal, middle ear damage, cochlear injury and/or temporal lobe lesions can cause auditory dysfunction.10

Next Steps

The first thing to do after you think you have sustained a concussion is to immediately seek medical attention.11 In addition to assessing auditory function, the overall TBI diagnosis is based on a combination of scores on several assessment scales, as well as by gathering other medical diagnostic information.

After a neurologic exam, including neuroimaging data, an audiology assessment incorporating hearing tests (for assessing hearing sensitivity to determine if hearing loss exists, assessing speech acuity both in quiet and with competing noise, evaluation of balance function, determining the presence and extent of tinnitus and providing an overall communication needs assessment) should be performed by an audiologist. In cases where hearing loss exists, appropriately and individually prescribed, adapted, verified and validated hearing technology can provide a significant benefit.

Emerging Research

Emerging areas of research continue to seek and develop better ways to assess TBI. Studies of the effects of multiple concussions on cognitive function and symptom presentation have had mixed results. In some studies, the number and severity of concussion symptoms has been found to increase in athletes with a history of two or more concussions.13

The most commonly observed neurocognitive impairments have been seen in the areas of memory and processing speed. A majority of these patients have benefited from a combination of interventional and multidisciplinary processes.14

Communicating with a Suspected TBI Victim

If someone is suspected of having a TBI incident, when communicating, get his or her attention while speaking at a normal rate – but not too quickly. Be specific with questions and allow the person time for self-expression. Provide spoken and written instructions and directions when appropriate, and communicate using both visual and auditory methods but ask and wait for the person to accept your offer of assistance

It is often better to use short sentences and repeat them when necessary. And always remember to allow time for the individual to comprehend, while continuing to be patient, flexible and supportive.15, 16, 17

Patient Health Information, 2016. “Hyperacusis: An Increased Sensitivity to Everyday Sounds,” A public health information document, published online. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.